Display Receptacle Unit for Dolls and Stuffed Animals

ABSTRACT

A display receptacle having a front wall, back wall with a bottom and sides disposed therebetween having a handle extending thereacross with at least one aperture through the receptacle body wall whereby the head-portion of a doll or stuffed animal can be supported therein and extended therethrough with the displayed article body portion contained within the receptacle thereby creating a display receptacle for the doll or stuffed animal. The present invention further provides that the receptacle may have a top surface enclosing said receptacle having a fastening member providing access to and closure of said receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to receptacles and, more specifically, to a display receptacle having a base with a wall extending therefrom with at least one aperture extending therethrough whereby an article having a body and a head can be inserted therein having the body portion within the receptacle and the head portion extending from said receptacle.

In addition the present invention provides for a pocket on the exterior of the display receptacle whereby the article to be displayed has the body portion of the displayed article within said pocket with the head portion extending from said article.

Additionally provided for is a display receptacle having a base with a wall encompassing said base and extending therefrom with a plurality of apertures within said wall for receiving articles to be displayed and wherein said display receptacle is free standing.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are other display cases designed for displaying articles. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 1,533,428 issued to Kittleson on Apr. 14, 1925.

Another patent was issued to Thome et al. on Sep. 8, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,331. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,584 was issued to Mauser on September 1998 and still yet another was issued on Mar. 30, 1999 to Sutton as U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,117.

Another patent was issued to Miller et al. on Nov. 2, 1999 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,392. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,045 was issued to Schulman on Feb. 20, 2001. Another was issued to Willingham et al. on Jan. 28, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,974 and still yet another was issued on Dec. 10, 1992 to Ishiwa as U.S. Pat. No. WO9221264.

Another patent was issued to Takeda on Apr. 23, 2002 as U.S. Patent No. JP2002119769. Yet another U.S. Patent No. JP2004129828 was issued to Yamada on Apr. 30, 2004. Another was issued to Herzog on Aug. 10, 2006 as U.S. Patent No. WO2006/083456.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,533,428 Inventor: Caroline T. Kittleson Issued: Apr. 14, 1925

A combined doll and hand bag comprising a body portion having bores therein, a skirt having its front portion secured to said body portion, and its rear portion free of said body; a drawstring for carrying the doll, said string being passed through said bores and through the rear portion of said skirt, and a pocket having one side secured to said body and the other side secured to the rear portion of said skirt, whereby said pocket is adapted to be closed when said drawstring is tightened.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,331 Inventor: Jodi L. Thorne et al. Issued: Sep. 8, 1998

A carrier for doll-type toys is provided having a pocket like enclosure for carrying the doll-type toy in a partially displayed position. The enclosure includes a double wall section forming an envelope or bag, in which the doll-type toy is carried, and a single wall section, against which the doll-type toy is partially displayed. This single wall section extends beyond and above the double walled section. Carrying straps permit the enclosure to be carried on the back of a child, in back-pack fashion. The carrying straps are attached adjacent to the free end of the single wall section and at the side of the double wall section. A second and smaller pocket enclosure may be attached to the front face of the carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,584 Inventor: Ann Carlisle McKay Mauser Issued: Sep. 29, 1998

A stuffed toy carrier for attachment to a strap or the like object by use of a reusable hook and pile fastener. The carrier allows for securement of a stuffed toy as well as ease of accessibility to the toy. The carrier forms a pocket-like structure having a top opening constricted by an elastic band formed integral to the upper rim and a first and second aperture for positioning the legs of the stuffed toy.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,117 Inventor: Renee Sutton Issued: Mar. 30, 1999

A decorative display apparatus comprises a transparent, liquid water filled display positionable in an inanimate object. The liquid display includes a one-piece, molded plastic base having inner and outer concentric rings extending from its front surface. A semi-spherical transparent enclosure made of hard or deformable plastic overlies a portion of the front surface, with lower edges of the enclosure being sealingly connected to the front surface between the rings. Decorative objects and water having miniature objects suspended therein fill the cavity defined by the front surface of the base and the inner walls of the enclosure. Holes for receiving connector, such as thread, are provided along the outer flange portion of the base. The liquid display is positioned in an opening provided in the inanimate object, which is preferably a stuffed animal, a beanbag, a pillow, a backpack or a key chain. When assembled, the inner surface of the inanimate object surrounding the opening engages the outer flange portion of the front surface of the base, thereby securing the display to the inanimate object. While additional connector, such as adhesive, thread, and mating swatches of hook-and-loop fastener material, may be provided, no securing assembly integral with or removable from the inanimate object is required.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,392 Inventor: Judith A. Miller, et al. Issued: Nov. 2, 1999

A toy backpack has a harness for securing a toy figure to the backpack, where the harness includes a pair of shoulder straps for engaging the shoulders of the toy figure, a leg strap for insertion between the legs of the toy figure, and a fastener for the shoulder straps to connect the shoulder straps with the leg strap to secure the toy figure to the backpack.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,045 Inventor: Dale Schulman Issued: Feb. 20, 2001

The present invention would be a tubular bag or container constructed of transparent plastic. The bag or container would include two end mounted holes and two side mounted holes which are carved into the bag or container, allowing easy access. Elastic bands would circumferentially surround the holes and when the elastic bands would be expanded, a user could insert large items into the bag or container to store these items for a particular length of time. As an option, the present invention could be manufactured in a variety of sizes and from different materials, such as nylon or any other washable fabric.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,974 Inventor: Lynne Willingham et al. Issued: Jan. 28, 2003

A backpack is provided including a substantially typical construction including a pack having a back panel, front panel and one or more side panels. The pack includes an interior storage compartment for storing objects. Furthermore, the backpack includes a pair of shoulder straps so as to enable one to wear the backpack on one's back. Located within the pack's storage compartment are first and second sets of pockets. The first set of pockets are attached to the inside surface of the pack's back panel. The first set of pockets include openings which open upwardly when the pack is in a closed condition. Meanwhile, the pack includes a second set of pockets which are attached to the inside surface of the pack's front panel. The second set of pockets include openings at the pocket's lower extremities when the pack is in a closed condition. However, when the pack is opened, the pockets rotate so that the openings of the second set of pockets are located at the pocket's upper extremities when the pack is in an open condition. Preferably, the backpack includes a flap for displaying ornamental designs or features which extends rearwardly and downwardly from the pack's front panel.

U.S. Pat. No. WO9221264 Inventor: Takuzo Ishiwa Issued: Dec.10, 1992

A packaging bag or deformed bag (1) made of film of plastic such as polyethylene, comprising a bag proper (2), pattern (3) drawn thereon, opening (4), and string (8), in which the whole or a part of the pattern (3) is composed of two sheets of films made of a material composing the bag or other material of the same kind, the sheets are heat-sealed at the periphery thereof so that a hollow pattern (3) is formed, and the hollow pattern is inflated with air blown thereinto via an opening (5) having a check valve to produce a three-dimensional pattern (3). The pattern (3) of the bag (1) not only is three-dimensional and adds to feeling of mass but also exhibits toy-like effects offered by popular characters and mascot dolls, whereby the bag (1) is made more unique and prettier than before and the production cost for the bag is held almost equal to that for prevailing deformed bags.

U.S. Patent Number JP2002119769 Inventor: Masanori Takeda Issued: Apr. 23, 2002

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a doll bag with an excellent safety capable of preventing an injury when a user brings a care play toy and a doll. SOLUTION: In the doll bag 1, two shoulder belts 3 are attached to a back surface and a belt 4 fixing a doll is attachably/detachably provided on a front surface.

U.S. Patent Number JP2004129828 Inventor: Hiroshi Yamada Issued: Apr. 30, 2004

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cellular phone holder, into or out of which a cellular phone can be easily put or taken, and which is portable on the user's body, attachable to a bag or a waist and is equipped with a safe and reliable slip preventing means, and a method of easily putting or taking a doll or the like into or out of a storage case, stably putting it therein, and preventing it from excessive swinging when it is hung outside.

SOLUTION: As shown in the figure, a storage case B is attached to a collapsible mounting plate A having a snap fastener (concave) 1 and two snap fasteners (convex) 2 by way of a rivet 3. A ring C provided on the mounting plate A is connected to a shoulder strap D, which is made telescopic with four cylindrical units 6 each composed of a vinyl pipe (a) and a can (b), by way of joint couplings 4 and 5. In addition, a wallet H has two snap fasteners (concave) 1 to be detachably attached to the snap fasteners (convex) 2 of the mounting plate A. A holding ring G having a partially linear portion is fixed to the body of a mascot doll F by way of a pin (e).

U.S. Patent Number WO2006/083456 Inventor: Shelag Herzog Issued: Aug. 10, 2006

A purse that converts into a doll bed, having an upwardly facing basket; fabric mounted in the basket and which extends upwardly from the basket to form an upwardly facing container that may serve as either a purse or a doll bed; straps secured to the upper end of one of the fabric or the basket so that the combination purse and doll bed may be readily carried; the fabric of the purse extends upwardly sufficiently so that the fabric may form a purse or be folded outwardly to form a doll bed; and a fabric hood secured to the interior of the fabric which may lay concave when the fabric is formed into a purse or be lifted to serve as a toy sunshade for a doll when the fabric is formed into a doll bed.

While these display devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle for doll-like articles to be displayed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle having a base with a wall depending therefrom having a receptacle attached to said wall for receiving the body of an article to be displayed whereby the head of the article extends from said receptacle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle having at least one aperture through the wall for the placement therein of an article to be displayed wherein the head portion of the article extends from the exterior wall surface while the body of the article is contained within the display receptacle.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle with a strap forming a handle whereby said display receptacle can be carried by a user.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle wherein said strap is belt-like whereby the display case can be worn as desired by the user.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle with a plurality of apertures passing through at least one display receptacle wall for the display of a plurality of three dimensional articles extending partially through said apertures.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle with a plurality of apertures within a plurality of display receptacle walls for the display of a plurality of three-dimensional articles extending partially through said apertures.

A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a holding element within said receptacle for maintaining the positioning of the displayed articles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle wherein the holding element for the displayed articles is a pocket for each of the displayed articles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle wherein the holding element for the displayed articles is a strap for each of the displayed articles.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle wherein the strap holding element for the displayed articles is of elastomeric material.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle having a top surface for enclosing said receptacle with a fastening member for opening and closing said receptacle.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle wherein said receptacle is a handbag carriable by a user.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle in the form of a backpack that can be worn by the user.

A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a display receptacle with a rigid wall with a plurality of apertures extending therethrough form a free standing display case.

Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a display receptacle having a front wall, back wall with a bottom and sides disposed therebetween having a handle extending thereacross with at least one aperture through the receptacle body wall whereby the head-portion of a doll or stuffed animal can be supported therein and extended therethrough with the displayed article body portion contained within the receptacle thereby creating a display receptacle for the doll or stuffed animal. The present invention further provides that the receptacle may have a top surface enclosing said receptacle having a fastening member providing access to and closure of said receptacle.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative of the display bag of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative of the present invention in use;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of an alternate of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of an alternate of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of an alternate of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of other styles of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective of the display case and storage unit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Display Receptacle Unit of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.

-   -   10 Display Receptacle Unit of the present invention     -   11 housing     -   12 bag     -   14 doll/stuffed animal article     -   16 head of 1     -   17 body of 14     -   18 wall of 12     -   20 strap of 12     -   22 aperture     -   24 user     -   26 front wall of 12     -   28 rear wall of 12     -   30 side wall of 12     -   31 top of 12     -   32 top edge of 12     -   34 interior compartment     -   36 pocket     -   38 regulator     -   40 elastic member     -   42 grommet     -   44 elastic band     -   46 stitching     -   48 zipper     -   50 backpack bag     -   52 shoulder strap     -   54 quick release fastener     -   56 cover flap     -   58 waist pack     -   60 waist strap     -   62 display case and storage unit     -   64 base of 62     -   66 rigid body of 62

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative of the user 24 carrying the display receptacle 12 of the present invention 10. The present invention 10 has a display housing 11 for articles 14 to be displayed, preferably dolls and stuffed animals, whereby the head 16 of the article 14 to be displayed is visible when displayed. One illustration of the present invention is a bag 12 having walls 18 disposed therebetween having a carrying strap 20 extending thereacross with at least one aperture 22 through a bag-body wall whereby the head-portion 16 of a doll or stuffed animal article 14 can be supported therein and extended therethrough with the displayed article body portion contained within the bag 12 thereby creating a display bag for the doll or stuffed animal. The present invention 10 further provides that the bag may have a top surface enclosing said receptacle having a fastening member providing access to and closure of said receptacle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the present invention 10. Shown is the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with single or multiple apertures 22 in front 26, rear 28, and/or sides 30 for the purpose of displaying the head(s) of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character having a head. A handle strap 20 is attached at the top edge 32 of the bag 12 for the purpose of carrying. The bag 12 also includes pockets 36 that could be located on the interior or exterior of the bag.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative of the present invention 10 in use. Shown is the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with single or multiple apertures 22 in front 26, rear 28, and/or sides 30 for the purpose of displaying the head(s) 16 of a plush toy animal, doll or any other article 14 having a head 16. The body portion of the toy 14 is meant to be held within the bag 12 while the head 16 protrudes from the inside of the bag 12 to the outside. A handle strap 20 is attached at the top of the bag 12 for the purpose of carrying. The location and number of openings (apertures) 22 is dependent upon the style and size of the bag 12. The bag 12 also includes pockets 36 that could be located on the interior or exterior of the bag 12.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of the present invention 10. Shown is a cutaway view of the carrying bag 12 of the present invention 10 having pockets 36 that could be located on the interior or exterior of the bag 12 and a strap 20 for carrying.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the present invention 10. Shown is a side sectional view of the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with single or multiple apertures 22 in front, rear, and/or sides for the purpose of displaying the head(s) 16 of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character article 14 having a head 16. The body portion 17 of the toy is meant to be held within the bag 12 while the head 16 protrudes from the inside of the bag 12 to the outside. A fastener element 38 is included to retain the article 14 in place. The fastener element 38 shown is an elastic member 40 surrounding the apertures 22 to grip the portion of the article 14 protruding therefrom.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of an alternate of the present invention 10. Shown is a side sectional view of the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with single or multiple apertures 22 in front, rear, and/or sides for the purpose of displaying the head(s) 16 of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character article 14 having a head 16. The body portion 17 of the toy is meant to be held within the bag 12 while the head 16 protrudes from the inside of the bag 12 to the outside. A fastener element 38 is included to retain the article 14 in place. The fastener element 38 shown is a grommet 42 surrounding the apertures 22 to grip the portion of the article 14 protruding therefrom.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of an alternate of the present invention 10. Shown is a side sectional view of the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with single or multiple apertures 22 in front, rear, and/or sides for the purpose of displaying the head(s) 16 of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character article 14 having a head 16. The body portion 17 of the toy is meant to be held within the bag 12 while the head 16 protrudes from the inside of the bag 12 to the outside. A fastener element 38 is included to retain the article 14 in place. The fastener element 38 shown is an elastic band 48 stitched 46 across the apertures 22 to grip the portion of the article 14 protruding therefrom.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of an alternate of the present invention 10. Shown is a side sectional view of the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with single or multiple apertures 22 in front, rear, and/or sides for the purpose of displaying the head(s) 16 of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character article 14 having a head 16. The body portion 17 of the toy is meant to be held within the bag 12 while the head 16 protrudes from the inside of the bag 12 to the outside. A fastener element 38 is included to retain the article 14 in place. The fastener element 38 shown is an elastic band 44 stitched 46 below the apertures 22 to grip the portion of the article 14 protruding therefrom.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate of the present invention 10. Shown is an alternate of the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with apertures 22 for the purpose of displaying the head(s) of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character having a head. The body portion of the toy is meant to be held within the bag 12 while the head protrudes from the inside of the bag to the outside of the bag 12. This version provides a top portion 31 with an aperture 22 and a zipper 48 for closure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate of the present invention 10. Shown is an alternate of the present invention 10, a backpack 50 with apertures 22 for the purpose of displaying the head(s) of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character having a head. This version provides shoulder straps 52 having quick release buckles 54 and a closure flap 56. Inside and outside pockets 36 are also provided.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate of the present invention 10. Shown is an alternate of the present invention 10, a waist pack 58 with apertures 22 for the purpose of displaying the head(s) of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character having a head. This version provides a waist strap 60 having quick release buckles 54 and a closure flap 56. Inside and outside pockets 36 are also provided.

FIG. 12 is a perspective of other styles of the present invention 10. Shown are other styles of the present invention 10, a carrying bag 12 with single or multiple apertures in front, rear, and/or sides for the purpose of displaying the head(s) of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character having a head. At least one strap 20 is attached to the bag 12 for the purpose of carrying or wearing. The bag 12 also includes pockets that could be located on the interior or exterior.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the display case and storage unit 62 of the present invention 10. Shown is the show case and storage unit 62 with the housing 11 having a base 64 and a rigid body 66 multiple apertures 22 encompassing its peripheries for the purpose of displaying the head(s) of a plush toy animal, doll or any other character having a head.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

1. A display unit for dolls, stuffed animals and other like articles comprising: a) a housing; b) at least one aperture disposed in said housing; c) an interior compartment disposed within said housing; and d) a fastener element for retaining the body of said article within said interior compartment with the head thereof protruding from said aperture.
 2. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said housing is a bag comprising a bottom with front, rear and side walls depending upward therefrom.
 3. The display unit recited in claim 2, wherein said housing further comprises at least one handle extending from the top edge of said housing.
 4. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said means for retaining said article is an elastic member surrounding each said aperture to grip the neck of said article to maintain the head thereof outside said aperture with the body contained within said interior compartment.
 5. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said fastener element is a grommet disposed at the edge of each said aperture.
 6. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said fastener element is an elastic band stitched across said aperture.
 7. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said fastener element is an elastic band stitched below said aperture.
 8. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said housing further includes a top that is closable.
 9. The display unit recited in claim 8, wherein said top of said housing has a zipper closure.
 10. The display unit recited in claim 8, wherein said top of said housing is a cover flap.
 11. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said housing is a backpack.
 12. The display unit recited in claim 11, wherein said backpack includes a pair of shoulder straps extending from the rear of said top portion to the bottom portion thereof.
 13. The display unit recited in claim 12, wherein said shoulder straps include quick release mechanisms.
 14. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said housing is a waist pack having a belt like waist strap extending from the sides thereof.
 15. The display unit recited in claim 1, wherein said housing is a display case and storage unit comprising a base with a rigid body and a plurality of apertures. 